5 Tips for Navigating Canada’s Grant and Funding Systems

New and emerging Canadian content creators often feel overwhelmed by the many funding opportunities out there. In our recent chat with Janine Steele, Director of Interactive Digital Media at the Canada Media Fund (CMF), she shared powerful insights from “the other side of the table”—the funder’s side. 

Here are five key learnings from Janine’s conversation on the First Frame podcast, hosted by Jennifer Park and Cameron Zinger.

1. Build a complementary team early  

Janine stresses that assembling the right team is one of the most important first steps. Rather than doing everything yourself, think deeply about what roles you need (writer, director, producer) and who can fill in your blind spots, especially around business affairs, legal and finance.

“If that’s not your wheelhouse, find someone to do that for you,” says Janine, “You’re going to be the one thinking about the financing puzzle, the accountant and when to file tax credits.”

Janine also encourages creators to go to industry meetups and events, places run by organizations like the Canada Media Producers Association or the Documentary Organization of Canada, to find people who get what you’re building. A strong, well-rounded team tells funders you’re serious, trustworthy and ready to execute.

2. Read the guidelines carefully

Not all funding bodies are created equal, and their programs serve different purposes.

“Think about how you hit those notes, how you can really hit every single question or point that they’re asking for,” shares Janine, “Tailor your pitch so that you’re maximizing what they’re looking for.”

Because funding is highly competitive, taking the time to dissect what a funder actually wants, their goals, their audience and their success metrics can make or break your application.

3. Define roles to build trust

When reviewing applications, funders pay close attention to who’s doing what. Janine notes that clearly defined roles, backed by relevant experience, strengthen your case:

“When you are able to articulate who’s who, from respective backgrounds to how your skills complement each other, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”

By being explicit about each person’s contribution and how you collaborate, you demonstrate cohesion, credibility and a roadmap for execution.

4. Align with the right funding program

The Canadian funding ecosystem might be vast, but not every fund is appropriate for every creator or project. Janine advises emerging creators to match their stage and ambition with the right programs:

• Start with STORYHIVE, which is very friendly to emerging projects.

• Look into provincial agencies (e.g., Creative BC), federal programs (Telefilm, Indigenous Screen Office, Black Screen Office or council funding (Canada Council, BC Arts Council) based on your story, scale and audience.

• Don’t forget smaller, targeted funds: regional grants, diversity or equity-focused funds or funds run by specific broadcasters.

“When you find that first funder, that starts to open and unlock other opportunities. Then the others will start to fall into place.”

5. Stay true to your vision

Funding can feel bureaucratic and full of rejection. Janine doesn’t sugarcoat it: “You’re gonna hear no way more often than you’re going to hear yes. You have to really believe in yourself and your message.”

However, when investors or partners want to make changes, Janine advises maintaining your core creative integrity. Ask: Is this the right funding for me, given where I want to go? If something feels off, trust your instincts — but also be open to collaboration.

Navigating Canada’s funding ecosystem is a journey, not just a transaction. Janine’s advice underscores that successful creators don’t just pitch; they prepare, assemble and persist. With the right team, tailored applications and a belief in your own vision, you’re putting yourself in the strongest possible position.

Watch the episode below

How to watch and listen

TELUS STORYHIVE First Frame is now available for free on TELUS Optik TV Video on Demand channel 9, Stream+ and YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more at STORYHIVE.com/firstframe.